12 Hits From The '80s That'll Make You Wanna Turn Back Time

Every decade has their share of gems, but to Generation X, there's nothing like the '80s. iHeartRadio is celebrating the yesteryears this week and Thursday (April 26) is all about the '80s. From the shock and awe of Madonna to Bruce Springsteen's ode to patriotism, this decade was filled with a countless number of hits that have surpassed the test of time. Fast forward more than 30 years later and their YouTube views in 2018 prove just that.

To rejoice in the golden era, we've decided to shine some light on a select number of cuts from our iHeart80s Radio Playlist, so grab your legwarmers, pull out a mullet wig and relive all these classics below!

1. Cher - "If I Could Turn Back Time" (1989)

Fun fact: While this may be one of her biggest hits, Cher initially disliked the song when she heard the demo. It took songwriter Diane Warren pleading on her knees for the pop titan to be convinced to record the soft rock smash. 

2. Rick Astley - "Never Gonna Give You Up" (1987)

Fun facts: It's no secret that "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a bonafide classic that has surpassed the era it was released. It's been covered by folks like Barry Manilow, Foo Fighters, Ashley Tisdale, Reggie Watts and many others.

3. Madonna - "Papa Don't Preach" (1986)

Fun fact: "Paper Don't Preach" was the only song on Madonna's third album, True Blue, that the pop titan didn't have a strong hand in writing.

4. Bruce Springsteen - "Born in the U.S.A." (1984)

Fun fact: Springsteen's hit inspired the Annie Leibovitz photo of his backside against the backdrop of an American flag, which was used as the album cover of the icon's LP of the same name.

5. Shannon - "Let The Music Play" (1983)

Fun fact: "Let The Music Play" made its way into the '90s when Mary Kiani covered the track as her third solo single. It was later sampled by Jordin Sparks for "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)."

6. Billy Idol - "White Wedding" (1982)

Fun fact: In the music video for Idol's "White Wedding," the bride was played by Perri Lister, his real-life girlfriend at the time.

7. Whitney Houston "So Emotional" (1987)

Fun fact: "So Emotional" was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, who also famously penned Madonna's "Like a Virgin," Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," Heart's "Alone," and Bangles' "Eternal Flame." Unsurprisingly, "So Emotional" did just as well.

8. Culture Club - "Karma Chameleon" (1983)

Fun fact: It was reportedly going to be titled "Cameo Chameleon."

9. Donna Summer - "She Works Hard for the Money" (1983)

Fun fact: The song was based on Donna's real-life encounter with an exhausted restroom attendant named Onetta Johnson from the iconic LA restaurant Chasen's. She was later shouted out in the song and featured on the album's back cover.

10. Corey Hart - "Never Surrender" (1985)

Fun fact: The music video for "Never Surrender" was filmed in parts of downtown Toronto, which was fitting since Hart helmed from Montreal, Quebec. 

11. Sheena Easton - "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" (1981)

Fun fact: Easton's song title was changed to "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" to avoid confusion with the Dolly Parton song of the same name and that was probably for the better, especially since they charted at the same time.

12. Lionel Richie - "You Are" (1983) 

Fun fact: Lionel wrote "You Are" with his then-wife, Brenda Richie, who happened to be his college sweetheart. They went on to informally adopted Nicole Camille Escovedo, the two-year-old daughter of one of the members of Lionel's band, also known as Nicole Ritchie. 

Keep the party of the decade going with the iHeart80s playlists below!

Photo: YouTube/ CherOfficialTV/ RickAstleyVEVO/ BruceSpringsteenVEVO


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

Â